Why has Sadiq Khan called for a wood-burning stove ban?

Wood burning could be banned in London’s most polluted areas in a bid to tackle air pollution, under proposals suggested by Sadiq Khan.

Open fireplaces, bonfires and wood burning stoves would be prohibited and only sales of low-emission stoves allowed.

London Mayor Khan wrote to Environment Secretary Michael Gove seeking the new laws.

The move comes after it was revealed that up to a third of all fine particle pollution in London comes from domestic wood burning.

Mr Khan wants to “protect those who have bought stoves in good faith” but requested powers to ban the burning of any wood or coal in “zero-emission zones”.

Zones could be created in 187 areas of the capital where pollution exceeds European limits.

In a statement Mr Khan said: “With more than 400 schools located in areas exceeding legal pollution levels, and such significant health impacts on our most vulnerable communities, we cannot wait any longer and I am calling on government to provide the capital with the necessary powers to effectively tackle harmful emissions from a variety of sources.”

What is toxic air pollution and how is it caused?

Hazardous pollutants from industrial facilities can have serious negative health impacts as they are released into the air.

The main pollution problem in both developed and and rapidly industrialising countries has been high levels of smoke and sulphur dioxide – emitted through the combustion of sulphur-containing fossil fuels such as coal.

Petrol and diesel-engine vehicles emit several types of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter.

In general pollution from industry is steady or improving with time, however the consequences of traffic pollution are worsening with time.

By January 19, 2017, London had already breached its legal limits for toxic air for the entire year.

The quality of air pollution in London is thought to be contributing to about 9,000 deaths every year.

What does smog do to your lungs?

Toxic air pollution can lead to several short-term health problems because its ozone content.

And if someone has been breathing in polluted air for a long period of time, lung cancer and death becomes more likely.

Experts have warned air pollution is also responsible for a 10 per cent increase in cancer cases.

American researchers have discovered a link between cumulative exposure to pollution and an increased rate of the disease.

Where in London has the worst smog?

Central London tends to have the worst smog as it is the most heavily built-up area.

Pollution can build up in London when it becomes trapped between buildings, especially during still weather.

Enclosed streets with large amounts of diesel traffic tend to be the worst-hit.

The City of London is the worst-hit area, with 8.3 per cent of deaths caused by manmade pollution in 2013 and 14.

Surrounding boroughs Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Southwark all came in around the 7 per cent mark.

Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea also neared 8 per cent each.

Boroughs furthest from the city centre are the least at risk of smog.

What are the different levels of toxic air alerts and what do they mean?

The London Air website operated by King’s College in London has four different levels of alert which apply to a 1 -10 scale.

A black alert warning is issued when the figure reaches 10.

These alerts were issued in London in January 2017 and forced some schools to suspend outdoor playtime because of the dangerous levels of pollution in the air.

A red alert is issued when the scale stands between seven and nine out of ten.

Between a two and six is classed as a moderate alert and anything less than 2 is classed as “low”.

What do the Government advise we do to reduce air pollution?

Air quality is largely due to road transport emissions.

Using fewer vehicles or cleaner transport such as bicycles can therefore help to reduce emissions.

Tightening of standards for vehicle emissions means that modern vehicles should cause less population than older ones.

Vehicles that run on electricity are now available.

Using less-polluting transport can also be cheaper and faster too.

Why are people warned to stay indoors?

When toxic air reaches a “red alert”, millions are warned to stay indoors in central and west London.

This is because pollution is expected to reach a “high” level – which could have deadly consequences.

People are also urged to avoid busy roads if possible, where polluted air is already a concern.

Asthma sufferers and others who are vulnerable to breathing difficulties are most at risk.

Theresa May has signalled tough new measures would be introduced as she replied to a letter from more than 220 doctors, who warned time is “running out” to solve the UK’s pollution problem.

She said: “Poor air quality is the fourth largest risk to public health, behind only cancer, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

“It disproportionately affects some of the most vulnerable in our society, including the elderly, people with lung and heart conditions, and the very young.”

The PM recently vowed not to punish millions of hard-working diesel drivers for their car choices, saying their decisions made over a decade ago needed to be “taken into account”.

Replying to doctors, Mrs May wrote: “I agree with you that one of the main reasons our cities continue to face pollution problems is the significant levels of NOx emissions that diesel vehicles produce.

“Harmful emissions from transport contribute significantly to the air quality challenge we face.”

What is the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan doing to tackle toxic air pollution in the capital?